As we get through the holiday season and into the new year, many people begin planning their year of travel. Some of you may not be big vacationers, some might take two to three trips a year, some others may never stop traveling. Regardless of how often or where you go, one thing most people have in common is their love of souvenirs. It’s only natural to want to bring home a memento or keepsake to remember your adventures!

T-shirts, magnets, hats, and shot glasses are all staple bring-backs, but while probably brightly colored and boasting the name of the place, it is unlikely they were truly made in that location. Closer inspection will likely reveal those items were made in Chinese factories. If you want to bring home souvenirs with actual cultural value and perhaps even future cash value, skip the gimmicky stuff and check for labels or maker’s marks!

As an example, I refer back mine and Ashle’s recent trip to Italy. In Venice “Murano” glass is all the rage, and the most commonly seen thing in every gift shop. The scary part is a large portion of the “Murano” glass you see isn’t even made on the island of Murano; It is a cheap imported version designed to imitate Murano glass. Don’t fall into this tourist trap! If you see the same sculpture thirty-seven times in different stores, it’s not the unique or valuable souvenir you’re looking for.

The key to successful shopping while traveling is to find the real deal. Find a local gallery or artist’s studio where you can score a true piece of local culture. If you are walking down a street lined with gift shop after gift shop you are not in the right place. Venture away from the port and main streets to the less trafficked areas where local artisans are more likely to run their shops. You might even get to watch the craftsmen while they work. That’s how Ashle and I ended up coming home with the awesome Italian Massimo Lunardon alien we now have on our mantel instead of a piece of wannabe Murano art glass!

Don’t forget supporting local artisans supports local economies. If you truly appreciate the place you are visiting, shop locally! Avoiding cheap imports will keep the traditional and cultural manufacturing methods alive for future generations to enjoy on future vacations. It is this thought process that will also help you find an authentic travel keepsake for your family’s collection... and not something I’ll have to someday tell your grandchildren is just a cheap knickknack!